Silver nitrate

Chemical formula: AgNO₃  Molecular mass: 169.873 g/mol  PubChem compound: 516904

Pharmacodynamic properties

Silver nitrate acts as a caustic to remove unwanted tissue and destroy warts, verrucae and other small skin growths.

Pharmacokinetic properties

Absorption

Absorption of silver nitrate is negligible via intact skin, and poor through most mucus membranes. It is known to be absorbed more efficiently via the gastrointestinal tract. The nitrate ion, produced in some instances by the action of nitrate-reducing bacteria on the substance from open wounds, etc, may give rise to methaemoglobinaemia, in extreme cases especially if large quantities of the product are used.

Distribution

Silver has no known physiological function. This substance is biologically very refractory and is metabolised with difficulty. Any sizeable quantities that are absorbed later redistribute, mainly as deposits of silver metal and insoluble compounds, about the various organs of the body, principally within the connective tissues.

Accumulation is especially predominant within the skin and mucous membranes.

Biotransformation

No data are available.

Elimination

Topically applied silver nitrate is generally shed, eventually, externally from the original site of topical administration by desquamation. Systemic excretion is very slow and is reported to be almost exclusively faecal.

Linearity/non-linearity

No data are available.

Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship(s)

No data are available.

Preclinical safety data

No further data.

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